'Friends of the Academy' returns

10 November 2014

United's pioneering 'Friends of the Academy' scheme restarts later this month, after a successful introduction last season.

The scheme, which aims to enhance relationships with local grassroots coaches, clubs, and schools, as well as providing practical examples of best practice, attracted plenty of interest from the local community last season, with excellent numbers attending the sessions.

The doors of the Redtooth Academy will open on Wednesday 26th November for the first event of 2014/15, which will run from 6.15pm until 8.00pm. The focus on this occasion will be on U8-U11 players (Foundation Phase), however many of the practical drills and tips on offer will be relevant to players of all ages.

Following this, there will be further events on Thursday 15th January (6.30pm to 8.30pm), Saturday 14th March (9.45am to 12.45pm), and Tuesday 12th May (6.30pm to 8.30pm).

Academy Manager Nick Cox commented "This is a great opportunity for local coaches, teachers, parents, and even fans to come in and see what we do first hand.

"All of the sessions throughout the season will have a practical element to them, as well as presentations and workshops from the full time Academy staff.

"Hopefully these will help to build upon the good work that we already know is going on in grassroots football in South Yorkshire."

All sessions are free of charge, and places can be booked by emailing george.delves@sufc.co.uk using 'Friends of the Academy' as the subject heading.

A maximum of 50 people can be accommodated at each event, with places allocated on a first come first served basis.